Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH)

The TMCH gives you priority access to new domain extensions and early warnings when someone registers a domain that could affect your brand. It's an efficient way to stay ahead of cybersquatting and domain abuse.

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Sunrise/Trade Mark Holders

Most new domain extensions launch with a Sunrise registration period, and some also include a Claims Period during General Availability, typically lasting around two months. Trade mark holders registered with the TMCH gain priority access to the Sunrise period and can register domain names matching their brand.

Trade Mark Claims Service

Get notified when someone attempts to register or registers a domain name matching your trade mark, so you can act early. If registration proceeds, you’ll be alerted to take action.

TMCH Is Particularly Relevant if You: 

Manage trade marks across multiple markets 
Want early access to new domain extensions without manual tracking
Want to reduce the risk of cybersquatting when new TLDs launch
Are responsible for IP governance or risk management
Need documented, auditable protection measures that hold up in dispute resolution proceedings, such as UDRP

Why Choose Abion?

TMCH registration is only the starting point. Without active management, records lapse and protection gaps appear. Abion manages the full TMCH process, including:

Trade mark submissions and TMCH record management
Renewals and ongoing maintenance
Rapid assessment of claims notices
Escalation to monitoring or enforcement when needed
Stronger evidence in potential UDRP disputes
Integration with your broader brand protection strategy

Protect Your Trade Mark with TMCH

Talk to our specialists about TMCH registration, claims notices, and ongoing protection support.

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FAQ About TMCH

What is UDRP?

The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) is a process established by ICANN for resolving disputes over domain name registrations. It allows trade mark owners to challenge domain registrations they believe infringe their rights, without going to court.

To succeed in a UDRP complaint, you need to show that the domain is identical or confusingly similar to your trade mark, that the registrant has no legitimate rights to it, and that it was registered and is being used in bad faith.

A TMCH record strengthens your position in UDRP proceedings by providing documented evidence of your trade mark rights at the time of registration.

How long is a TMCH record valid?

A TMCH record is typically valid for one year and must be renewed to remain active. Multi-year registrations are also available.

Do I need TMCH if I already own my main domains?

Yes, owning your main domains does not protect you from others registering similar or misleading domain names in new extensions. TMCH helps you secure matching domains early and receive alerts when potential infringements occur.

What is the Claims Period?

Claims Period directly follows after the Sunrise period and extends across at least the initial 90 days of General Availability for each new gTLD.

What is Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH)?

The Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) is a database of verified trade marks, created by ICANN as part of the new gTLD programme. It gives intellectual property owners priority access and early warnings when their trade marks are at risk in new domain extensions. Most new domain extensions launch with a Sunrise period, during which trade mark holders registered with the TMCH have priority access. To register a domain name matching your trade mark during this phase, your trade mark must be recorded in the TMCH.

What happens after I receive a Claims notice?

A Claims notice means someone has attempted to register a domain name matching your trademark. If they proceed, you will receive a notification. You can then assess the risk and decide whether to take action, such as monitoring, contacting the registrant, or initiating enforcement measures.

Is TMCH mandatory for Sunrise registrations?

Yes, to participate in a Sunrise period and register a domain name matching your trade mark before general availability, your trade mark must be recorded in the TMCH.

What is General Availability?

This is when the TLD becomes available to everyone at standard registration prices, usually on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the Sunrise Period?

This is an initial phase where trade mark holders can register domain names corresponding to their marks before the general public.

Connected Services

Domain Monitoring

Monitor domains linked to TMCH claims notices and detect suspicious activity before abuse escalates.

Domain Blocking Solutions

Prevent third parties from registering domains matching your trade marks across multiple TLDs.

Registry Lock

Protect your most critical domains from unauthorised changes and strengthen overall domain security.

Trademark Opposition

Take action against conflicting trade mark applications identified through your broader protection strategy.